Advancing global health and well-being

Victims of natural disasters and those living in war zones could benefit from greater access to health services through online therapy programs.

At the annual United Nations Department of Public Information/Non-Government Organisations conference in Melbourne, staff from Swinburne's e-therapy unit will be highlighting the benefits of e-therapy in supporting traumatised groups across the globe.

"We are interested in working with the UN to promote the advantages of e-therapies and the way in which they could help traumatised groups following natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis, as well as those groups in war or refugee zones," said Swinburne's Professor Michael Kyrios, Chair, National e Therapy Centre Executive Committee.

Focussing on the contribution of psychology in helping the UN deal with global health problems such as poverty and trauma, the conference runs from Monday 30 August to Wednesday 1 September.

It was developed in conjunction with the Australian Psychological Society and the International Association of Applied Psychology to highlight effective ways in which society can contribute to fostering global health, not just managing disease.

The conference involves many disciplines within and beyond the health sciences, and promotes interdisciplinary collaboration. It will emphasise the need for more integration of health programs, cost effective delivery and sustainability, and emphasise prevention to achieve equity in global health.

It will provide an opportunity to network, exchange ideas and experiences between NGOs, diverse experts, and organisations, working on global health issues. It will feature roundtable panel discussions, workshops and exhibits

The conference aims to strengthen engagement between the UN and non-government organisations, particularly in Australia, the Pacific and Asia.

The Psychology for Global health website highlights the contributions of each partner.

For more information about the conference visit www.un.org.au/DPI_NGO_Conference/About_the_conference_.aspx.

For more information about Swinburne's e-therapy unit visit http://www.swinburne.edu.au/lss/swinpsyche/etherapy